Tree stand rope grip apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A rope anchor which provides a means for a climber to lift a payload is disclosed. The rope anchor has a means for fixing its height in relation to the object being climbed and a v-shaped slot oriented vertically and having its wider end opened upward. A rope being used to lift the payload may be wedged in the slot for anchoring and removed, adjusted, and re-anchored to lift the payload. A hole through the rope anchor allows a light pulley system to be used as well. The rope in the pulley system is then anchored in the v-shaped slot as the payload is hoisted aloft.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for anchoring a payload rope after a person has climbed a tree, pole or other structure. More specifically, this invention utilizes a V-shaped slot in a bracket to pinch on a rope being used to haul up a payload in order to temporarily hold the rope and payload in place. The invention facilitates the lifting of the payload without assistance from others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the course of various recreational and work activities, a person may climb a tree, pole, or other structure and have the need to bring along a payload of significant weight. A recreational example of this would be a hunter who wants to set up a tree stand. To eventually support the hunters weight, the stand itself must have structural strength and will therefore have some attendant weight. A hunter needs to climb the tree and be able to haul the stand up after him. A work-related example would be a linemen who climbs a pole and needs to haul up tools, wire, or other necessities. In either work or recreation, a person may be operating in a solitary fashion, and will therefore not have assistance in maintaining continuous lift on the load. The present invention provides a single-piece means for anchoring a rope while the payload is being hauled to its desired elevation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

A search of the prior art reveals a number of patents pertaining to methods of anchoring a payload. These include: U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,343 by Ronsheim; U.S. Pat. No. 3,715,782 by Newell; U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,444 by Haney; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,495 by Bos et al. Patents relating to lifting objects up into trees or fastening objects to trees include U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,884 by Dodge and U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,483 by Skyba, as well as three by Woller, U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,973, U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,242, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,792.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,343 by Ronsheim discloses a cleat made from sheet metal. A sheet metal blank is cut with notches around its perimeter. A flat middle section is maintained while bending two side sections to right angles with the middle section, and then bending those side sections outward at their middles at right angles to form a U-shaped cleat with flanges running out from the U. The notches in the perimeter end up located at the bends between the flat middle section and the side sections. The middle section has holes through it to mount the cleat to a base with screws or nails. The U-shape of the cleat, along with the notches, allow a rope to be wound in and around the cleat. The cleat may also have holes through the side sections to allow a rope to be inserted through the cleat for anchoring.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,715,782 by Newell is for a device capable of securing both ropes and chains. The device has a flat base for mounting on objects and two symmetrical members rising from the base. Each end of the symmetrical members has a horn mirroring a horn on the same end of the opposing symmetrical member. A deep groove may also separate the two symmetrical members. At least one set of the horns is spaced and shaped to allow the wide part of a chain link to be placed between and below the horns while a narrow section of the chain link passes between the horns. The chain is thus anchored by having a link wedged beneath the horns. The groove between the symmetrical members accepts a rope which may be wrapped in and around the four horns and the groove to anchor the rope.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,444 by Haney provides a means of joining two rope ties. The invention is depicted in several embodiments made from various basic metal shapes. One embodiment is basically a rectangle of sheet metal with two sets of notches, a set per each side. The notches are symmetric about the diagonal of the rectangle. The ends of two ties may be wrapped around the rectangle and in the notches to provide a means of joining the two ties. Other embodiments use metal channel and metal tube. The metal channel has a notch in the open side of the channel and a hole through the back of the channel to hang it. A rope can be placed in the channel and anchored in the notch. The tube embodiment has a notch cut down into an open end of the tube. That same end has a hole through it to hang the tube, while a rope may be passed through the tube and its end anchored in the notch.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,495 by Bos et al. is directed toward the mounting of fenders, or bumpers, on the sides of boats by hanging them from the rail around the deck. The claimed devices clips onto the rails and provides a means for anchoring the ropes from which the fenders are suspended. The devices can be made from short sections of metal tubing by cutting a slot through the perimeter of the tubing from one end to approximately three quarters of the way to the other end. The tube may then be opened at the slot and rolled back to form a flat area having the width of the circumference of the tube. The flat section may then be folded back away from the intact section of tube to form a hook that can fit over a rail or other feature. The transition from the round tube to the flat section creates a V-shaped notch. The end of a rope can be fed through the intact tube, folded down, and pressed into the V-shaped notch to secure the rope. The fenders are attached at the other end of the ropes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,884 by Dodge uses a lever mechanism within a shell to clamp onto a rope passing through the shell. The shell provides the structure of the rope grip and is formed from a single piece of sheet metal folded to create three sides. The middle side provides the necessary space between the other two, parallel, sides to accommodate the rope. Matching slots in the parallel sides allow the insertion of a plate which is essentially a removable fourth side. Removing this plate allows the grip to be placed over the rope anywhere along its length. Slots in the parallel sides accommodate the axis of the cylinder located within the shell. The slots are angled toward the plate to direct the cylinder against the rope and plate. This pinches the rope against the plate and stops the sliding of the rope. A lever, also formed of three sides, fits over the shell. The lever is pinned in its middle section to the shell, and has its closed end extending from the shell and it's open end engaging the axis of the cylinder. The lever, which is intended to be clipped to a climber, may therefore bias the cylinder against the rope or may release the cylinder from a clamping position. The pivot of the lever itself rides in a slot and is biased by a spring. The rope grip in Dodge has several pieces and requires the removal and addition of one of those pieces to be used on the rope.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,483, by Skyba, claims a cam lock system suitable for use on ropes and belts. The cam has an eccentric axis through which it is mounted and teeth on its outer profile to positively engage a flexible element such as a belt or rope. A spring biases the cam toward the flexible element so that the flexible element is allowed to pass in only one direction and is locked when it travels in the other direction, unless the cam is actively prevented from locking on the flexible element. In various arrangements, a lever is provided for releasing or holding open the cam. As with Dodge, Skyba uses an assembly having multiple pieces and requires the rope to be passed through the clamp, which limits its applicability.

The series of patents by Woller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,242, U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,792, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,973 relate to supporting a tree stand and have a common feature regarding the cable used to support the claimed stand. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,975,242 and 6,182,792 claim a climbing tree stand whereas U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,973 claims a non-climbing tree stand, but all three utilize a cable in tension wrapping around the tree for its upper support member. This cable has a series of ferrules swaged onto it. The frame of the tree stand has two slots near the end of mostly closed tube ends. The ends of the slots away from the tube ends are large enough to let the ferrules pass in and out of the frame while the ends of the slots at the end of the tubes are only wide enough for the cable to pass in and out of the tube. The caps on the ends of the tubes likewise have slots only large enough for the cable. The length of the cable looping around the tree is adjusted by selecting a ferrule and passing it into the tube and then pulling it to the tube end so that the ferrule is then captured. The same is done with another ferrule toward the other end of the cable. Selecting different ferrules to place in the frame changes the length of cable. In these inventions the cable is fixed with respect to the tree stand.

While these prior art devices are instructional to some extent, none particularly address the needs of a climber seeking to navigate a payload up a structure. What is needed in the art is a rope anchoring mechanism which is able to be quicky and efficiently located on a structure to give the climber great flexibility in temporarily anchoring the payload during the lifting and securing process. This is particularly important when an individual is lifting the payload without assistance. The present invention provides such utility in a safe and durable way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a simple means for a climber to lift a payload.

It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a simple means for temporarily anchoring a rope while lifting a payload.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a device which enables a rope to be temporarily anchored by a climber using only one hand.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a rope anchoring mechanism that can be laterally relocated around a structure with minimal effort.

It is a further objective of the present invention to develop a rope anchoring mechanism which is economical to construct.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a rope anchoring mechanism which is durable and not readily prone to failure.

The present invention is a rope anchor used to assist in the lifting of a payload after an individual has climbed a tree or pole or other such object. Integral to the anchor is a V-shaped slot oriented vertically, with the open, wide end of the slot directed upward. It is this slot which accepts a rope and restrains the rope with a wedging action on the rope. The slotted section is in the body of the anchor which may be held in place by several means.

A first embodiment of the invention has an elongated passageway through it to accommodate the safety belt of a climber. This safety belt passes around the tree or other object after the climber has reached the desired elevation. A similar belt is also placed around the climber. A loop passes through each belt and allows some freedom of movement, while providing a means for arresting a climber should the climber begin to fall. The shape of the passageway conforms to that of the belt which is often a wide flat belt and the belt is inserted through it. An alternative method of fixing the location of the anchor is to have a screw integral to the body of the anchor. This allows the anchor to be screwed directly into the tree or wooden pole to hold it in place. The anchor may later be removed. This type of anchor may also be incorporated with a foot support which screws into the tree. An additional feature to the anchor is a hole through the body of the anchor. This hole can be used to mount a light pulley system to assist in lifting payloads of more substantial weight.

As discussed above, the method and device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in prior art methods and devices. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this invention is based may readily be utilized as a basis for other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equipment constructions in so far as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, the purpose of the forgoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional utility and features of the invention will become more fully apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, which illustrate the primary features of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 1 depicts an anchor adapted to mount on a safety belt and having a light pulley system attached.

FIG. 2 depicts an anchor adapted to screw into a tree or pole and having a light pulley system attached.

FIG. 3 shows a belt mounted anchor in use with a light pulley system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed description below is for preferred embodiments and is intended to explain the current invention. It is to be understood that a variety of other arrangements are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a rope anchor 10 of the present invention adapted to hang on a safety belt. The rope anchor has an essentially flat body 20 with a passageway 30 formed in the body 20 of the rope anchor 10. The passageway 30 in this rope anchor 10 is generally flat to accommodate a typical safety belt. Extending essentially perpendicular from the body 20 of the anchor 10 below the passageway 30 is a plate 40, also generally flat. On the top edge of the plate 40 near the extending end 50 is a V-shaped slot 60 of an acute internal angle. This V-shaped slot 60 is wide enough at its open end to accommodate a typical rope. The acute angle of the V-shaped slot 60 allows a rope 70 inserted therein to be firmly wedged and held secure for anchoring purposes. While providing a secure anchor, the disposition of the V-shaped slot allows easy repositioning of the rope.

From the outside edge of the V-shaped slot 60, to the extending end 50 of the plate 40, the top edge of the plate 40 is extended upward into a rope retaining rope guide 80, which helps to keep a rope 70 contained along the top edged of the plate 40. The rope guide 80 directs a rope 70 into the V-shaped slot 60 when the rope 70 is pulled forward and downward along the edge of the plate 40. This allows a rope 70 to be quickly removed from the v-shaped slot 60, adjusted, and re-anchored. It also keeps the rope from slipping off if the user is not careful in anchoring the rope.

Another feature of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is an accessory hole 90 through the plate 40 of the rope anchor 10. This accessory hole 90 would allow the mounting of a light pulley system 100 to assist in the lifting of more substantial payloads. With this feature, even the use of a single pulley would cut the effective weight of the payload in half. Other items could also be supported by the accessory hole 90.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Where applicable, similar numbers will be used to identify the features of this embodiment. The main distinguishing feature of the second embodiment of the rope anchor 110 is the mounting screw 115. By turning the entire body of the rope anchor 110, the mounting screw 115 is inserted into the wood substrate of the object being climbed. The rope anchor 110 is oriented so that plate 140 extends downward and outward from the mounting screw 115. The extending end 150 of the rope anchor 110 has a angle section 125 bent at essentially a right angle to the rest of the plate 140. This angle section 125, along with a short section in line with the rest of the plate 140, extends substantially above the rest of the plate 140 to form a rope retaining guide 180. The edge of the rope guide 180 that is coplanar with the plate 140 extends down into the plate 140 to form a V-shaped slot 160. The other side of this V-shaped slot 160 extend up to the top edge of the plate 140. This V-shaped slot 160 is wide enough at its opening to accept a typical rope and has an acute internal angle to securely wedge a rope 170 placed in the V-shaped slot 160. The rope guide 180 assists in keeping a rope 170 above the rope anchor 110 as the rope 170 is removed, adjusted, and replaced in the V-shaped groove 160. This increases the ease of use of the rope anchor 110.

A feature also present on this embodiment is the accessory hole 190 which allows the use of a light pulley system 200. The pulley system 200 allows heavier payloads to be lifted. Other accessories may be mounted in the accessory hole as well.

FIG. 3 depicts the present invention in use. Specifically, the figure shows the rope anchor 10 depicted in FIG. 1. The rope anchor 10 is attached to safety belt 305 which extends around the tree. A pulley system 100 is mounted in the accessory hole 90 with a hunting stand 315 suspended from the lower pulley. The climber is lifting the rope 70 and is preparing to anchor it in the V-shaped slot 60.

Having provided detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments, it should be noted that there are several means to accomplish the construction of the invention. Traditional materials such as ferrous and aluminum alloys would easily provide the structural strength to support a payload. More modern methods of manufacturing with composite materials such as fiberglass laminates, chopped fiberglass, and injection molding about a metal substrate would provide other methods of constructing the invention and incorporating weight, shape, and corrosion prevention advantages while maintaining strength. Likewise for strength, a common construction technique for objects requiring structural strength is the placement of creases or beads in thin cross-section areas to provide the effect of depth, while keeping a thin cross-section. Objects supporting a load will often yield elastically. This factor, too, can be incorporated into the form and function of the current invention. While not specifically detailed in the descriptions of the preferred embodiments, none of these characteristics should be considered excluded from the scope of the present invention.

As an additional note, the left foot of the climber in FIG. 3 is resting upon a support 310 which is attached to the tree via a mounting screw like the mounting screw 115 in FIG. 2. Another possible embodiment of the present invention would comprise an extended support having a V-shaped slot and a rope guide on the end of the foot peg, combining the function of a foot peg and a rope anchor. It should be obvious from this that there are numerous embodiments subsumed in the present invention and the scope of this invention should not be limited by the discussion of the preferred embodiments above. 

1. A rope anchor for assisting a climber to hoist a payload after having climbed an object, said anchor comprising: a) a plate extending from said object, said plate having a first end and a second end, said first end abutting said object, and said second end extending from said object; b) a v-shaped slot extending from an edge of said plate into said plate, said v-shaped slot having an acute interior angle and being large enough to accommodate a rope; and c) means for maintaining the elevation of said rope anchor.
 2. The rope anchor of claim 1 wherein: said means for maintaining the elevation of said rope anchor is a loop shaped to allow insertion of a safety belt, said loop being attached to said plate at said first end.
 3. The rope anchor of claim 1 wherein: said means for maintaining the elevation of said rope anchor is a screw attached to said plate at said first end, said screw being capable of penetrating said object having been climbed.
 4. The rope anchor of claim 3 wherein: said plate is of sufficient size and has portions shaped to form a handle to facilitate the turning of the screw by hand without the use of a tool.
 5. The rope anchor of claim 1 wherein: on the same edge of said plate from which said v-slot extends into said plate, at said second end said edge extends substantially beyond the rest of said edge of said plate.
 6. The rope anchor of claim 1 wherein: an aperture passes through said plate.
 7. The rope anchor of claim 6 wherein: said aperture is sized and located to facilitate the mounting of a rope and pulley system, or other accessories.
 8. The rope anchor of claim 1 wherein: sections of said plate are bent or creased.
 9. A method of raising a payload after having climbed an object, said method comprising the steps of: a) attaching a rope to said payload; b) climbing an object while carrying a section of said rope in slack condition; c) obtaining a desired elevation; d) fixing a rope anchor to said object at said elevation, said rope anchor comprising a plate extending from said object, said plate having a v-shaped slot in one edge; e) wedging said rope into said v-shaped slot; f) grasping said rope below said rope anchor; g) raising said rope while also removing said rope from said v-shaped slot; h) re-wedging said rope at a point along said rope closer to said payload, and; i) repeatedly raising and re-wedging said rope until said payload has reached a desired elevation.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein: a) said rope anchor has a loop integral to said rope anchor; b) a belt is placed through said loop, and c) said belt is placed firmly about said object to fix said rope anchor.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein: a) said rope anchor has a screw formed integral to said rope anchor, and b) said screw is driven into said object to fix said rope anchor.
 12. A method of raising a payload after having climbed an object, said method comprising the steps of; a) attaching a rope and pulley system to said payload; b) climbing an object while carrying the free end of said rope and pulley system in slack condition; c) obtaining a desired elevation; d) fixing a rope anchor to said object at said elevation, said rope anchor comprising a plate extending from said object, said plate having an aperture there through, and a v-shaped slot in one edge; e) attaching the free end of said pulley through said aperture in said plate; f) wedging said rope into said v-shaped slot; g) grasping said rope below said rope anchor; h) raising said rope while also removing said rope from said v-shaped slot; i) re-wedging said rope at a point along said rope closer to said payload, and; j) repeatedly raising and re-wedging said rope until said payload has reached a desired elevation.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein: a) said rope anchor has a loop integral to said rope anchor; b) a belt is placed through said loop, and c) said belt is placed firmly about said object to fix said rope anchor.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein: a) said rope anchor has a screw formed integral to said rope anchor, and b) said screw is driven into said object to fix said rope anchor. 